9 Oct 2017 22:07

NATO activities in Romania will not be left without Russia's notice - State Duma

MOSCOW. Oct 9 (Interfax) - The statements made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about multinational battalions being deployed in Romania in order to deter Russia are bewildering, according to United Russia party's Yury Shvytkin, deputy head of the State Duma Defense Committee.

"Attempts to increase the military potential in Romania on the basis of stupid argumentation - that these will supposedly prevent Russia from carrying out some actions - are, to put mildly, bewildering," Shvytkin told Interfax on Monday.

Stoltenberg said on Monday that NATO multinational battalions deployed in Romania were part of NATO's measures to deter Russia.

By making such remarks NATO "is indulging in wishful thinking, putting on a good face over a bad game," Shvytkin said."We understand that the main breakers of the balance of forces in Europe are NATO members themselves," he said.

"When NATO countries are building their positions this way, it won't be left without our notice. We first and foremost ensure the defensive capabilities of our country and our allies, we cannot remain a passive observer," Shvytkin said.

"On this, our position is clear: we aim to ensure stability and a multi-polar world, where the interests of all world countries are respected regardless of them belonging to any union," Shvytkin said.